Christ Church

The Divine Service

of the Lord Jesus Christ
Transfiguration Sunday
March 6, 2011

Salutation
The Lord be with you! 2 Timothy 4.22
And also with you!
Welcome & Announcements
Preparation for Worship (silently pray the following collect to prepare for worship)
O Lord, mercifully hear our prayers and, having set us free from the bonds of our sins, deliver us
from every evil; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
<STAND when the pianist stops playing>

I. The Lord Gathers Us for Worship

Invocation & Entrance

<STAND>
We are gathered in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Amen! Matthew 18.20; 28.19

I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord!”
Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Psalm 122.1-2

Our help is in the name of the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth! Psalm 124.8

Hymn of Procession (on following page)

Note: The congregation says all bold words and sings all printed songs.

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 II. The Lord Cleanses Us from Sin
Dearly beloved in Christ, the Scriptures teach us that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and
the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1.9

Kyrie Eleison ~ Lord Have Mercy Psalm 51.1; 123.3; Matthew 17.15; 20.30-31

Confession of Sin
Come, let us worship and bow down. Psalm 95.6
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker! <KNEEL>
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by
what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole
hearts, and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry, and we humbly
repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may
delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. <REMAIN KNEELING>

Absolution ~ Gospel proclamation of forgiveness in Christ <STAND>

By virtue of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are fully and freely forgiven of all
your sins. Believe this and know that you are at peace with God!
Thanks be to God!
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 III. The Lord Raises Us Up to Heaven and Seats Us With Christ
Sursum Corda ~ Lift Up Your Hearts Ephesians 2.6; Colossians 3.1

Lift up your hearts!

We lift them up to the Lord!
Prayer of Ascent to Heaven Traditionally called the Preface (to the Sanctus).
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God!
It is good and right to do so!
It is very good and right that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, O Holy Lord,
Father Almighty. In the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused light to shine in our hearts, to
give us the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, with the
angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we magnify your
glorious name, evermore praising you and singing:
Sanctus ~ Holy

O Lord, open our lips,

and our mouths will declare your praise! Psalm 51.15

Hymn of Ascent (on following page)

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Prayer of Illumination
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and
your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. <BE SEATED>
Scripture Lesson 2 Corinthians 3.7—4.18 (text printed on back page)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Psalm Psalm 119.25-32
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My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
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When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
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Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
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My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
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Put false ways far from
me and graciously teach me your law!
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I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
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I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!
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I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
Alleluia ~ Praise the Lord Psalms 146-150

Gospel Lesson (and primary sermon text) Mark 8.22—9.13 (text printed on back page)

This is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Praise be to you, O Christ!

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Profession of Faith Nicene Creed
Christian, in whom do you trust?
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things
visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father
before all worlds:
God of God,
Light of Light,
very God of very God;
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by Whom all things were made;
Who, for us men and for our salvation,
came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary,
and was made man,
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered and was buried;
and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures,
and ascended into heaven,
and sits on the right hand of the Father;
and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead;
Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life,
Who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified,
Who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.
And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen!
Gloria Patri ~ Glory to the Father

Pre-sermon Prayer
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, Lord Jesus
Christ, our Rock, and our Kinsman Redeemer. Psalm 19.14
Amen. <BE SEATED>
Sermon Pastor Jeremy Sexton

Post-sermon Blessing
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Amen. Philippians 4.7

Offertory Hymn (on following page)

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Offertory Response & Prayer
What gifts have you brought for your Lord?
We give only what the Lord has first given to us. We offer ourselves in Christ through
confession, praise, and thanksgiving; we give our prayers and alms for the sake of the world;
and we participate in the Lord’s Supper as a memorial of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen!
Father, receive now these gifts offered to you in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, as we return to you a
portion of that which you have freely given us. Use these tithes and offerings to support the work of the
church, to care for the poor and needy, to promote the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth, and
to build up your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen! <STAND>
Kingdom Prayer
God the Father in heaven,
be gracious to us and hear us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
have mercy on us and help us.
God the Holy Spirit, Giver of life,
bless us for Jesus’ sake.
From all sin, from all error, from all evil; from the crafts and assaults of the devil; from sudden and evil
death; from deadly disease and famine; from war and bloodshed; from sedition and rebellion; from
lightning and storms; from calamity by fire and water; and from everlasting death;
deliver us, good Lord.
By the mystery of Your holy incarnation; by Your holy birth; by Your baptism, fasting, and temptation;
by Your agony and bloody sweat; by Your cross and passion; by Your precious death and burial; by
Your glorious resurrection and ascension; and by the coming of your Holy Spirit, the Comforter;
help us, good Lord.
In all our tribulation; in all our prosperity; in the hour of death; and in the day of judgment;
help us, good Lord.
To rule and govern Your holy Christian Church; to preserve all pastors and ministers of Your Church in
the true knowledge and understanding of Your wholesome Word and to sustain them in holy living; to
put an end to all divisions and causes of offense; to bring into the way of truth all who have erred and
are deceived; to beat down Satan under our feet; to send faithful laborers into Your harvest; and to
accompany Your Word with Your grace and Spirit;
hear our prayers, good Lord.
To raise those who fall and to strengthen those who stand; and to comfort and help the weakhearted and
the distressed;
hear our prayers, good Lord.
To give to all peoples unity and peace; to preserve our land from discord and strife; to give our
country Your protection in every time of need; to direct and defend our nation and all in authority over
us; to bless and protect our magistrates and all our people; to watch over and help all who are in danger,
necessity, and tribulation; to protect and guide all who travel; to grant every woman with child,
especially all mothers with infant children, increasing happiness in their blessings; to defend all orphans
and widows and provide for them; to strengthen and keep all sick persons and young children; to free
those in bondage; and to have mercy on us all;
hear our prayer, good Lord.
To forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts; to give and preserve for our
use the kindly fruits of the earth; and graciously to hear our prayers;
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be gracious to us and answer our prayer.
Now, O God, hear the very words Jesus taught us to pray:
<RAISE HANDS> Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us
our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6.9-13

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 IV. The LORD Feeds Us Holy Food at His Royal Table
Trinitarian Blessing 2 Corinthians 13.14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with
you all.
Holy things for holy people!
The gifts of God for the people of God!
Pax Domini ~ The Peace of the Lord John 20.19

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

And with your spirit.
Eucharistic Prayer ~ Prayer of Thanksgiving
We thank you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for your mighty works, which reveal your wisdom and love.
You formed us in your own image, and you gave the whole world into our care, so that, in faithfulness
to you, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our unbelief and disobedience took us far from
you, You did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in
seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the
prophets you called us to repent and to hope for salvation. We thank you, Father, that you loved the
world so much that in the fullness of time, you sent your Son to be our Savior. He lived as one of us, yet
with unwavering faith and without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to
prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose, he humbled himself in obedience to
death, and rose from the grave to destroy death, and to make the whole creation new. We thank you,
Father, for sending the Holy Spirit, who grants us repentance and gives us new life in Christ by faith,
that we might no longer live for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us.
Dying he destroyed our death, rising he restored our life. Lord Jesus, come again in glory! Amen.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34.8

Christ our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed for us.

Therefore, let us keep the feast! 1 Corinthians 5.8

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Agnus Dei ~ Lamb of God John 1.29

<BE SEATED>

In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord,

we at Christ Church welcome to the Lord’s Table
all who are spiritually weak and seek rest;
all who mourn and long for comfort;
all who struggle and desire victory;
all who sin and need the Savior;
all who are strangers and want fellowship;
all who hunger and thirst for righteousness;
all who are poor in spirit and desire the riches of the gospel;
all who come to Jesus Christ in living faith and repentance,
looking to him as both Liberator and Lord.
And, of course, we welcome all baptized children,
no matter how young, to the Lord’s Table.

Communion: Bread <Sing stanzas 1-3 on the following page as the bread is passed>
Communion: Wine <Sing stanzas 4-5 on the following page as the wine is passed>
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May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you steadfast in true faith
unto life everlasting. Amen!
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Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, 1 Chronicles 16.34; Psalm 106.1; 107.1; 118.1; 118.29; 136.1
for his love endures forever! <STAND>

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 V. The LORD Sends Us Back Into the World
Post-Communion Prayer Adapted from the post-Communion prayer in Martin Bucer’s reformed Strasbourg Liturgy
Let us continue in prayer together:
Almighty and gracious heavenly Father, we give You praise and thanks that through Your holy
Gospel and Sacrament, You have again offered and presented to us Your most precious treasure:
the true Bread of Heaven and Food of eternal life, Our Lord Jesus Christ. And we heartily ask You
to grant that we may receive Him and partake of Him in true faith, now and forever, and be so
nourished by His Flesh and Blood that we may be set free from all evil, and increase daily in all
goodness, to Your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
Great Commission Matthew 28.18-20
Jesus declares, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and disciple all the nations
by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, by teaching them to observe all
that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Amen!
Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered!
Let those who hate Him flee before Him! Psalm 68.1

Nunc Dimittis ~ Now Dismiss [Your Servant] Luke 2.29-32

“Song of Simeon”

Benediction ~ Blessing Numbers 6.24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace;
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

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 NOTES

If you are a visitor of Christ Church, we are grateful that you have joined us in our highest privilege, worshipping the Triune God. We hope
you stay and eat with us after the service so that we can get to know you better. If you would like to talk with Pastor Sexton throughout the
week, feel free to call him at 770.696.7521 or email him at sexton555@gmail.com. You can visit our website at ChristChurch-Atl.com.
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2 Corinthians 3.7—4.18
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Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at
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Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even
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more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it
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in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that
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surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.
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Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the
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Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to
this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken
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away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil
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is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with
unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to
another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 4:1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do
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not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper
with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the
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sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of
this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of
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Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as
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your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give
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the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to
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show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
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perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying
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in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are
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always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
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So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I
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believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will
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raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends
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to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our
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outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is
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preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to
the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Mark 8.22—9.13
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And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he
took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on
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him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking."
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Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything
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clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, "Do not even enter the village." And Jesus went on with his disciples
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to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And they
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told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." And he asked them, "But who
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do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." And he strictly charged them to tell no one about
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him. And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the
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chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took
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him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind
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me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." And he called to him
the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his
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cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the
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gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man
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give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of
him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." 9:1 And he
said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of
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God after it has come with power." And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them
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up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely
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white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking
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with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one
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for Moses and one for Elijah." For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed
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them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." And suddenly, looking around, they
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no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to
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tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves,
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questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. And they asked him, "Why do the scribes say that first Elijah
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must come?" And he said to them, "Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of
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Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they
did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him."

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